FedEx Performance Zone: ones to watch
Monday, February 13, 2017
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The UEFA Europa League resumes this week with the round of 32 first legs. So, who are the players hitting form at the right time? The FedEx Performance Zone identifies five on the up.
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5: Federico Fazio (Roma)
The centre-back, on loan from Tottenham, has established himself at the heart of the Roma defence. Back-to-back Serie A clean sheets reflect his impressive form, and he was on the scoresheet in Roma's recent demolition of Fiorentina. Only the woodwork denied him another goal in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Crotone.
14: Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon)
The striker has hit his stride since the turn of the year, scoring eight in seven outings. Despite OL's surprise defeat by Guingamp on Saturday, Lacazette was on the scoresheet once more and a constant menace throughout, creating three chances, winning four aerial duels and earning three corners.
25: Loïc Perrin (St-Étienne)
St-Étienne have kept three straight Ligue 1 clean sheets, with defender Perrin a key element in that run. Sunday's performance in the 4-0 victory over Lorient particularly caught the eye: Perrin claimed his third goal of the season, and made 91 accurate passes compared with six unsuccessful ones.
31: Sofiane Hanni (Anderlecht)
The attacking midfielder rises 35 places this week. The Algerian international looks to have found his feet in his first term with the club, and was electric in Sunday's 4-2 triumph over Zulte Waregem. Hanni registered a goal and an assist, put in six crosses and laid on four chances for the Belgian co-leaders.
33: Juan Mata (Manchester United)
Another fast climber, the midfielder is making it tough for José Mourinho to overlook him on current form. The 28-year-old has found the target in his last two Premier League outings, and his distribution has been excellent: of 83 passes against Watford and Leicester, only six went astray.